Since I’m in waiting mode right now — both in terms of “hopefully impending good news” and in terms of “books I need to review” — thought I’d revisit a fun topic I’d first done a couple years ago…. Some of the names have changed, but the point remains the same…

The following is a list of books that God has spoken to me through big-time, so much so that I keep coming back to them for more, and discover something new every time as I do. Some are classics, some are fairly recent (and thus I’ll try to connect you with the reviews that help explain them, when relevant). But I re-read one of these every month, on top of whatever else I’m reading. It’s my way of helping God help keep me in line.

Also, I’ve set this list up so that the books cycle through in a way that reflect the scope and sequence of Growing Out—a spiritual-formation book, a character-formation book, a gifts/calling book, a mentoring book, a leadership book, a personal-mission book, and then back again. I also put space between books by the same author. All of it’s my way of maintaining balance (and/or channeling my apparent OCD in a productive manner :D).

Anyway, enjoy this list. Use it to fill in your own gaps. And help fill in some of mine, too, by posting here about your re-reads. Tell me what books God has spoken to you through, over and over. A’ight?

So, starting with the book I’m re-reading right now (and my most hardcore re-read; I’ve probably been through it a dozen times now):

Changed Into His Likeness—Watchman NeeWhole Life Transformation—Keith MeyerWhat Jesus Demands From the World—John PiperGetting Rid of the Gorilla — Brian JonesPrayers for a Privileged People—Walter BrueggemanCelebration of Discipline—Richard FosterThe Great Omission: Reclaiming Jesus’ Essential Teachings on Discipleship—Dallas WillardWith Christ in the School of Prayer—Andrew MurrayReflections on the Psalms—C.S. LewisChristianity for Modern Pagans: Pascal’s Pensees, Edited, Outlined & Explained—Peter KreeftDesiring God—John PiperPastoring With Passion — David HoltThe Irresistible Revolution—Shane ClaibornePraying Successfully—Charles SpurgeonThe Gift of Being Yourself—David BennerThe Divine Conspiracy—Dallas WillardUnashamed to Bear His Name — R.T. KendallInstruments in the Redeemer’s Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change—Paul David TrippOutgrowing the Ingrown Church—C. John (“Jack”) MillerToo Small to Ignore—Wess StaffordA Praying Life — Paul MillerOf the Imitation of Christ—Thomas a’KempisFreedom of Simplicity—Richard FosterConjectures of a Guilty Bystander—Thomas MertonThe Crucifixion of Ministry—Andrew PurvesHearing God—Dallas WillardPower Through Prayer—E.M. BoundsThe Knowledge of the Holy—A.W. TozerThe Cost of Discipleship—Dietrich BonhoefferFuture Grace — John PiperDeep Mentoring: Guiding Others on Their Leadership Journey — Randy Reese and Robert Loane Spiritual Leadership—J. Oswald SandersThe Little Flowers of Saint FrancisIn the Heart of the World — Mother TeresaPrayer: Finding The Heart’s True Home—Richard FosterThe Sermon on the Mount — R.T. KendallThe Person and Work of the Holy Spirit — R.A. TorreyThe Pursuit of God—A.W. TozerSimple Spirituality—Christopher HeuertzThe Spiritual Man—Watchman Nee (This one’s a monster. I give myself 3 months for this one.)Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship & Direction—David BennerRestoring the Soul of Leadership—Ruth Haley BartonThe Dark Night of the Soul—St. John of the CrossRenovation of the Heart—Dallas Willard